Joy Milne from the Scottish city of Perth, UK, was able to smell Parkinson's disease in her husband. Moreover, at a very early stage, when no one suspected it.
According to the Daily Mail, Milne has hyperosmia – an increased sensitivity to smells, which is inherited in her family.
When Milne's husband was 31 years old, she noticed that he was emitting a musky smell that was barely noticeable to others, characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis was confirmed 12 years later. The man died.
Scientists have found that Milne can determine the disease by smell, simply by sniffing a person's T-shirt, that is, the clothes that are closer to the body. With the help of a woman, experts developed a test to determine Parkinson's disease. The disease can be detected within three minutes of taking a swab from the back of a person's neck, where Milne says the smell is strongest—at least for her.
Hyperosmia– not always good. It can lead to discomfort and significantly impair the quality of life. According to doctors, after the coronavirus pandemic, complaints about hyperosmia have increased dramatically. Many patients complain about the exacerbation of various odors that they had not thought about before. For example, a putrid smell from all dishes containing meat.
Susceptibility to perfumes, household chemicals, scented candles usually increases. For some “sniffers” these smells can be like a physical impact, literally like a blow. Pronounced aromas can cause nausea and vomiting, which occurs due to overexcitation of the centers of a certain part of the brain.
Causes of hyperosmia
- < li> Genetic predisposition, like Joy Milne. Some people have a more acute sense of smell than others and it's not uncommon to become perfumers or something like that.
- Pregnancy, especially the first trimester. The reason for this is hormonal changes.
- Autoimmune pathologies. For example, adrenal insufficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Borreliosis.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Brain lesions.
- Pathological processes of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses.
- Long-term use of vasoconstrictor drugs.
- Hypovitaminosis.
The dog found cancer three times in his owner by smell
- Migraine.
< br>The wife discovered Parkinson's disease in her husband by smell
Read also: Two signs of irreversible liver damage.